Espaillat to Host District Forum
Today, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D) will be hosting a district forum, Represent NYC, in collaboration with the Manhatten Neighborhood Network (MNN).
Espaillat will be discussing continuing efforts to move his district forward and cope with COVID-related challenges. We will also hear from Councilmembers Diana Ayala (D-El Barrio, Mott Haven) and Mark Levine (D-Manhattan Valley, Manhattanville), who will share some of their own major goals for the remainder of 2020.
The event will take place today at 12 p.m. on facebook.com/mnn537.
Stringer Calls on NYCHA to Protect Tenants During Winter Months Amid COVID-19
Yesterday, City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D) called on Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) and NYCHA Chair and Chief Executive Officer Gregory Russ to address inadequate ventilation in NYCHA buildings, and other conditions that leave residents vulnerable to a second wave of COVID-19.
Conditions in many NYCHA buildings fail to meet the CDC’s current disease mitigation guidelines. Several have ventilation problems that facilitate the spread of viruses inside; others have faulty elevator systems, forcing residents to crowd into the few elevators that actually work; still others suffer from the continued presence of mold, which can exacerbate COVID-19 symptoms.
All of these issues, he wrote, will be especially problematic in the winter months, when residents will be spending most of their time indoors.
“We are in the throes of a public health emergency that is testing all levels of government, requiring us to innovate daily. I urge you to protect the most vulnerable New Yorkers and expedite capital projects that can improve ventilation in developments, elevators, boilers and other mechanical systems as the weather turns cold. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues in greater detail.”
Read the full letter here.
Williams Commends New Yorkers for Early Voting Numbers
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (D) released a statement last Saturday, on New York’s first day of early in-person voting.
Over the weekend, more than 400,000 New Yorkers cast their ballot throughout the state; of those, 46 percent were cast in New York City. Williams expressed pride in the people of New York for their enthusiasm and commitment. However, he also stressed the need to open more polling sites to accommodate the demand.
“Across the city, thousands of people waited hours in line to cast their ballot on the first day of early voting,” said Williams. “This demonstrates energy, enthusiasm and engagement from New York voters. The turnout today surprised and inspired me.
“While long lines are a sign of civic pride and determination, they are also a sign that we may need to open additional sites in the future to meet the demand of the electorate. The Administration and Board of Elections must monitor the next couple of days very closely.
“Thankfully there are nine days remaining, including another weekend to vote early. I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of this opportunity to cast your ballot at the best time for you while also reducing the expected strain on the system November 3rd. This is our opportunity to vote for a government that reflects and represents the needs of our communities.”
